As March marks Mental Health Awareness Month, Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) is raising awareness about the importance of education, connection, and support. Students and community members are invited to take a proactive step toward a healthier mind and body at the Spring Mental Health & Wellness Information Fair, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., March 3 and 4, at the Union Hills campus’ Cordova Plaza and KSC Walkway.
With many balancing coursework, careers, family responsibilities, and personal growth, prioritizing mental wellness has never been more important. This free event welcomes community members of all ages, including students, families, caregivers, and anyone interested in mental health, self-care, and overall wellness. It is designed to reduce stigma, provide practical tools, and connect attendees with on-campus and community support services.
What to Expect
- Mental health and wellness resources
- Stress management and self-care strategies
- Wellness education and support services
- Free anxiety and depression screenings
- A Punch Card Challenge with opportunities to win prizes
Why it Matters
A significant portion of college students experience anxiety, depression, loneliness, and other mental health concerns. According to the ZipDo 2026 Campus Mental Health Data, around 40 percent of students feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities each week, and 61 percent cite academic pressure as their top stressor. Additionally, about 45 percent of college students reported overwhelming anxiety in the past year, 33.5 percent had a mental illness, and only 21.8 percent received mental health treatment.
These numbers underscore an important reality – many students are navigating significant emotional challenges while pursuing their academic goals. PVCC Counselor Ben Nelson explained, “There is no single tell-tale sign that someone is struggling. Most people manage life’s ups and downs with support from friends and family. However, when students feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unable to find solutions on their own, we want to be the difference makers in their lives.”
Free, Confidential Counseling for Student Success
PVCC’s Counseling Department offers a welcoming and supportive environment where students can explore academic, career, and personal concerns. Counseling faculty are dedicated to student growth and success, helping individuals clarify goals, define their Field of Interest (FOI), and confidently navigate their academic pathways. While some student development courses include a fee, individual counseling appointments are free to students, ensuring support is accessible when it’s needed most.
“College is a time of significant growth – academically, socially, and personally,” said Nelson. “Students often face developmental milestones such as becoming independent adults, building meaningful friendships, resolving conflicts, clarifying values, and establishing identity. Our counselors recognize these challenges and provide a welcoming space where students can share openly and confidently, offering guidance and support to help them navigate transitions and make thoughtful, informed decisions.”
While counselors do not provide clinical therapy, long-term therapy or diagnose disorders, they can help students explore their strengths, develop coping strategies, and build self-awareness. When more specialized support is needed, they can connect students with trusted community partners.
Common topics students bring to counseling include:
- Goal setting and motivation
- Time management
- Academic concerns
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression
- Relationship challenges
- Grief or loss
- Substance use concerns
- Crisis situations
Students can schedule an appointment by stopping by the Counseling Center in the KSC building, emailing [email protected] or calling 602-787-6540. Students can also stop by or call to make a virtual appointment. Information shared in counseling sessions remains confidential within the Counseling Center staff, with limited exceptions. Additionally, anyone in the Maricopa Community Colleges system can submit an Online CARE Report to raise concerns about a student who may need support.